Duluth testing new solution to break up ice on city roads

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- Crews in Duluth are testing a new solution of calcium chloride mixed with a brine to tackle the caked on ice on city streets from last week's snow storm.

City officials say they are making some progress using the new brine solution and that the mix has shown to be helpful in these frigid temperatures, especially with today's sunshine and traffic to help heat up the pavement.

The City says it does not stock calcium chloride, however crews were able to get a hold of a limited quantity.

“Calcium chloride will work in sub-zero temperatures but due to its cost of $800 per ton versus salt at $64 a ton, it is cost prohibitive given the City’s 400 miles of roads," says Kelly Fleissner, Interim Director of Public Administration. "Chloride is a product that works best with sunshine but then refreezes once the sun goes down so we have to work fast. It’s also not readily available. We are using very minimal amounts of chloride and relying mostly on our skilled operators to do the heavy lifting."

The City is continuing to use sand where necessary and is still enforcing alternate side parking to allow crews to finish plow operations. Clearing city sidewalks and hauling away snow banks are also a priority for the City in the coming weeks.